Help support the Annie Armstrong Easter offering

AVONDALE BAPTIST CHURCH
Hello everyone, from the Avondale Baptist Church family! If you are looking for a loving church home we would like to invite you to come and visit us and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are located at 1405 Hoyt Street.
Our regular Sunday schedule is coffee fellowship at 9:20 a.m., Sunday school Bible study at 9:45 a.m., worship services at 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m. and choir practice at 7 p.m. On Wednesday evening we have On-Mission groups for all ages at 7 p.m. If you need more information you can call the church at 325-235-5835.

BROADWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
This week has been spring break and many have taken trips. Traveling with family is both fun and fearful. I remember when my family would travel, we would sit in the back seat and about every 30 minutes we would ask, “Are we there yet?” You see, we were traveling to see grandma, or to an amusement park with a huge roller coaster or maybe to the beach. We were excited, because we knew where we were going and what we were going to do. We couldn’t wait to get there.
As Christians, we are all pilgrims on a journey to a promised land. It is a land where we can see grandma again, and it is a land where we will live eternally enjoying God’s richest blessings. Heaven can seem so far away. We often cry with John, “...even so Lord Jesus come.” On this journey we don’t rely on a man made GPS but on the One who made the road. He is our guide, and we will never be lost following Him. Though we cannot see far ahead we can see His hand and heart and know that He is with us, guiding, comforting, strengthening, and even carrying us to Heaven. Let us learn to follow Him in the daylight and darkness resting on His unchanging hand.
If you don’t have a church home, we would love for you to come and visit us this Sunday. Our Life Groups, which is for all ages, starts at 10 a.m. Our morning service is at 10:50 a.m. and our evening service begins at 6 p.m. Come and let us be a blessing to you as we worship the Lord together.

FAITH HARVEST CHURCH
Faith Harvest Church would like to invite you to come join us in our celebration of Jesus Christ! We are located at 408 Alamo Street, which is right off of Sam Houston. Our service times are 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, 6 p.m. on Sunday evenings, and 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. We have Sunday school for adults, Out-of-Line youth ministry for teens, and children’s church for kids. We have many projects and plans for the year of 2012, including sending our youth group to Discovery Camp in July. More information about fundraisers will be soon to come. We have another fun fellowship coming up — a trip to the Abilene Zoo on Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. We will enjoy walking around the zoo, then have a picnic in the park afterwards and enjoy the beautiful weather. Anyone can come! We would love for you to join us. Don’t forget about our website, www.fhpcofsweetwater.com[3], where we add something new everyday! Several recent changes have been made to the website, including the addition of sermons preached by our very own pastors and a testimony page where you can write your own personal testimony of how good God has been in your life. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Pastor Jimmy Bennett at 325-242-4750 or Deacon Bobby Hoover at 325-236-4023.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
First Baptist Church invites you and your family to join us this Sunday morning for Bible study, beginning at 9:15 a.m., for all age groups, followed by the Sunday morning worship service, which begins at 10:30 a.m., and includes a children's sermon. First Baptist Church is located at 213 East Third Street, in Sweetwater, next door to the Post Office, and all are welcome!
March is the month that FBC takes a turn at filling the baby bassinet for the Women's Resource Center. Bring new baby items, such as diapers, baby bottles, etc., and place them in the bassinet display in the FBC pre-school hallway.
All women, interested in missions, are invited to attend a meeting on Monday, March 19, in Room 101a, beginning at 2 p.m. Come and find out all about their exciting and ongoing, plus forthcoming, projects. If you would be interest in an evening meeting with childcare provided, contact the church office at 236-6348 or e-mail pam@fbcsweetwater.org[4] and request your name and number be added to either list to receive a reminder call. If you have questions, ask that Cindy Hamlin call you back. Options are available, such as participating in projects but not attend meetings — attend both daytime and evening meeting or neither — go on field trips but not attend meetings or — collect and deliver items for ministries — attend meetings when missionaries speak.
Growth Groups will resume on Sunday evening (March 18) at 6 p.m. You have a choice of "Marriage Built To Last" (Welcome Center) led by Phillip Thomas or "Praying For Your Adult Children" (Room 201) led by Jeff Lay. Kid's Growth Groups (facilitated by Steven and Ashley May and Kassidi and Kyle Seaton) are located in Rooms 210 (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and 213 (first through fourth grade) from 5:55 p.m. until 7:35 p.m.
Up to and including Easter Sunday, FBC members have an opportunity to support mission ministries and missionaries throughout the United States and Canada in a tangible way by participating in the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Week of Prayer. Offering envelopes are in the pew racks and church office. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering allows our missionaries throughout North America to concentrate on their ministry and not have to raise their own support. It also provides a way for each of us to spread God's message throughout North America and Canada without leaving home.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Visitors are always welcome at First Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 14th and McCaulley. Adult Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. Worship service is at 10:45 a.m. A nursery is provided for all church activities for children kindergarten age and younger.
This Sunday is the fourth in Lent. Pastor Earl’s sermon title is “Jesus, Nicodemus, and Us”; the scripture readings are Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 and John 3:1-15,16-21. Paula Huckabee is the worship assistant; Ruth Ann Campbell and Buck Cason are greeters. Easter lilies for the sanctuary are ready to be ordered at $5.35 each. Order forms are in the bulletin or call the church office. You are welcome to take them home on Easter Sunday.
Coming up:
• Lenten Luncheon at FUMC at noon.
• Noisy and reverse offerings are next Sunday.
• Plarning continues on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
• Choir practices on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m.
• Don’t forget Earl’s Girl’s meets every Thursday at noon at Dairy Queen.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sweetwater First United Methodist Church wants to invite you to join us on Sunday mornings to worship and praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The United Methodist Church is open to all persons and is a place where all are welcome and encouraged to “come as you are” with the expectation that by the grace of God you will leave different. The change that a relationship with Christ brings about is a life-changing encounter and we believe that while God accepts us as we are He loves us enough not to leave us in our sins. We believe that Scripture informs all aspects of our lives and should be our rule and authority.
The first service begins at 8:45 a.m. and is built around a traditional model with great hymns of the church. This service uses a more liturgical framework and often employs a wonderful choir.
Immediately following the first service we have Sunday school classes for all ages and stages of life. We invite you to try one of our many opportunities to come together and seek God in small groups that emphasize God’s Word and proclaim His glory.
At 10:50 a.m. we have a second worship service that has a decidedly contemporary flavor and incorporates more of progressive style and pace. This second service also has a children’s time and “Children’s Church” for kids in preschool through second grade.
Sweetwater FUMC also has youth activities on Sunday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. This Sunday the girls will begin a study on the book of James and the guys will be starting a study based on the movie Courageous.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday FUMC hosts the Gaylord’s Pantry and a clothes closet from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please enter through the North (4th street) entrance if you would like to receive God’s blessing through either of these ministries.
News this week: This Sunday we will be continuing a Lenten series from the gospel of Mark. Our Scripture this week is Mark 6:7-13. Our focus will be on Jesus’s empowerment and command to make disciples. We will also have a guest from the Gideon’s International sharing how that organization is making it possible for the word of God to be placed around the world.
The youth who are a part of this year’s Pilgrimage to God’s Holy Mountain (confirmation class) will pick up again after Spring Break on Wednesday (March 21) at 7 p.m.
The men and women will also be starting Bible studies this Sunday! Lizzie Burkham will be leading the women through Beth Moore’s study of James and the men will be using the Courageous study materials. Don’t forget Cindy Stroman is currently leading a Bible study for men and women on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
We are currently organizing a focused time of praise on Sundays at 6 p.m. before youth and Bible studies. Please pray with us that God will ignite this time with his Holy Spirit. The music/will focused on praise and bringing us into His presence before studying His word.
Fun activities are offered at different times during the month for 4-6 graders (Club 456) and 1-3 graders (UMKids).
Next Wednesday (3/21) Highland Heights UMC will be hosting the Lenten luncheon for the whole community of faith in Sweetwater.
If you have any questions call Linda at our church office (325-236-6617) or email churchoffice@fumcsweetwater.org[5]. If you need prayer or have the need to contact our pastor you can call the same number or email him at pastor@fumcsweetwater.org[6].

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Please join us for Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 10:45 a.m., with Pastor Chris Rodriguez bringing the message entitled, “Questions or Confidence.” Worship assistants are Lisa Peterson serving as worship leader, Brenda Alexander leads the congregational hymns and plays the keyboard, pianist is Eugenia Hill and our greeter for the month of March is AdaBelle Clark. Brenda will sing a special musical solo.
This is the 4th Sunday of Lent and one of our traditional Lenten observances is the “Wooden Cross.” A specific item depicting the last days of Christ’s journey will be placed upon or at the foot of the “Wooden Cross” each Sunday. Those items are relevant to the Last Supper and Christ’s Crucifixion. The laying of palm leaves follows on Palm Sunday and on Easter Sunday the “Wooden Cross” is adorned with flowers. This Sunday, a crown of thorns will be hung upon the Cross. The crown of thorns represents the one that was placed upon Jesus’ head mocking him as “King of the Jews.”
On Wednesday, the 21st, Highland Heights and St. Stephens Episcopal Church will co-host the Community Lenten Service, sponsored through the Ministerial Alliance. The community is invited to attend Highland Heights for a noon meal with soup and sandwiches, followed by a short message given by Pastor Chris.
Wednesday evening Bible study continues in the book of Matthew on the 28th, at 7 p.m., at the church.
“Bless This House” is calling upon prayers for the safety of all travelers through the spring break. This is a time that students, teachers and families look forward to going on ski trips or other vacation spots to relax and unwind from busy everyday schedules. Pray not only for the time being well spent with friends and families in sharing wholesome fun, but also for their safety upon their return trip.
There is still time to participate in our “Samaritan Hospitality House Ministry.” “The House” is located in Colorado City and ministries to families visiting loved ones that are incarcerated in area prisons. With a homelike atmosphere, the facilities provide weekend lodging for family members during their stay free of charge. If you would like to donate supply items, please contact the church office at 235-4534, for further details. Sunday, April 22, is the date for consecrating our collection and it will be delivered the following Friday, the 27th, to Colorado City.
You are always invited to join us at 1801 Lamar Street, sharing in our vision of making Disciples of Jesus Christ, growing spiritually, fulfilling our God-given gifts, witnessing to others, and ministering to ones in need.
LAMAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH
We at Lamar Street Baptist Church want to invite you to join us for our services!
Sunday school starts at 9:30 a.m. with classes offered for every age group. Our morning service, beginning at 10:40 a.m., includes hymns and praise songs, a Children's Sermon and a sermon from our pastor, Jerry Payne, who will also bring the message in our 6 p.m. service on Sunday evening.
On Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m., we have ministry groups for every age group. Children can participate in Mission Friends (preschool), RA's (Royal Ambassadors, first through sixth grade boys), or GA's (Girls in Action, first through sixth grade girls). Teenagers (7th-12th grade) meet for their youth service and Bible study and prayer is held for adults.
Right now at Lamar Street Baptist Church, we are asking our members to prayerfully consider giving toward two upcoming projects. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is a campaign to help support North American missions endeavors. Our church goal is set for $1,000, and with the help of our members, we can be a part of an effort to bring the Gospel to others.
In addition, we have started collecting a special offering every Sunday night for this year's mission trip, which will be an in-home project beginning on Monday, June 18, to renovate our campus and reach out to our church members and community. The week will include a morning VBS (Vacation Bible School), followed by evangelism outreach in the afternoon and a revival service in the evening.
Whether you can give your time, finances or both, this year's mission trip cannot be accomplished without help. Please join us in praying that we as a church body will remain focused on the task before us of sharing Christ in the community during this special, upcoming week.
We can't wait to see you this Sunday at 513 Lamar in our services! To learn more about our services and opportunities for ministry, find us on Facebook or call the church office at 235-1779.

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH
Trinity Baptist Church is excited to offer a special showing of the film Courageous on Sunday evening, March 25. Join us at 5 p.m. for a small fellowship meal followed by the highly-acclaimed film. Beginning on April 15, we will host the shortened study of the book of the same name. Make plans now to come see this terrific movie and take part in the study.
Our fellowship here at Trinity strives to show Christ’s love. You are invited to join us for worship services so that you, too, can experience God’s love. Our casual, friendly, family atmosphere with both traditional and contemporary music makes our church an easy place to “fit in”. We are located at the corner of Hailey and Santa Fe Streets. Look for the yellow sign that tells Sweetwater exactly what’s happening here at Trinity: “Blessings in Progress…New Family Life Center Coming Soon”.
We offer wireless hearing assistance for those who need it during worship. Just see any of the ushers to request a unit, then sit anywhere within our congregation to enjoy the service.
Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship services at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday. Graded Sunday school classes are available for children to youth. Adult classes include Harvesters, Messengers and Explorers (typically for single and young adults), Seekers (empty-nesters) and Encouragers (senior adults). Classes are not limited to those age groups; the descriptions provided are simply a starting point. Each of us is encouraged to find the class we are more comfortable attending, regardless of age!
Bro. Chris Hollingsworth, our Music Minister, has begun youth choir on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the Choir Room. A light meal will be served at 6:15 p.m. followed by youth activities and Bible study.
Wednesday evenings, adults meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Seekers room for Trinity Power Plant (our weekly prayer time). At the same time, children enjoy TeamKID. There’s a place for every age, nursery to senior adults and all in between. Bring your family and come see what’s going on here as we serve our Lord!
We will offer a new ladies’ Bible study beginning on Wednesday, March 21. We will be studying “Ruth: Loss, Love and Legacy” by Kelly Minter. Sessions are offered at noon and again at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided for both sessions. Choose which time best fits your schedule and join us. Books are available for purchase at $13 each. Come by the church office to sign up and get your book — there’s a little homework for the very first session!
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University continues at Trinity on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Led by the Peeks and the Chrismers, this 13-week program teaches you how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before and much more! More information can be found online at Dave Ramsey’s website: http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu[7].
Trinity is excited to offer several retreats during the month of April. Sign-ups and deposits are due by this Sunday, March 18. Please call the church office to register or request more information.
April 13th and 14th: Women’s Retreat at Big Country Baptist Assembly (BCBA, Lueders) — studying Beth Moore’s Loving Well. Leaving at 3 p.m. on Friday and returning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, ladies will enjoy a time of getting away with Christian sisters. Cost for the retreat is $35. T-Shirts for ladies are being designed and created by Jan Davis. Cost per shirt is $10. If you would like a t-shirt for the retreat, please bring your sizing information and money to the church office or give it directly to Jan by March 25.
April 20th-22nd: Youth DiscipleNow (DNow) at BCBA (Lueders). Theme for this year’s DNow is Mosaic, based on 1 Corinthians 12:12. Guest speaker is Matt Broyles and worship leader is Gary Williams. Food, fellowship, worship, teaching, faith, friendship, paintball and small group activities will be offered. Cost is $50.
April 27th and 28th: Men’s Retreat at the Ware Ranch at Paint Rock. Activities include campfires, dominoes, horseshoes, washers, fishing at Lake Ivey, skeet shooting, relaxing and Bible study. Cost is $20.
If you would like more information about Trinity, or if you would like accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, please call us at 235-2991 or drop by our offices located at 1503 Crescent Drive. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also find us on the web at www.trinitysweetwater.com[8]. God bless you!